Belfast was a harsh lesson for the Bulls. Ulster didn’t just win — they dominated, exposing weaknesses in a team still finding its feet under new coach Johann Ackermann. Defensive cracks that had been creeping in over the past weeks were on full display, and for the first time, the attack also struggled to impose itself. The result was a rare spectacle: the Bulls being physically overpowered and tactically outmaneuvered.But is this truly a crisis, or simply part of the adjustment period for a side under new leadership? MW Welman and Harry Jones dig into every angle of the performance, examining why Ulster’s physicality and tactical clarity unsettled the Bulls, how the squad responded under pressure, and what these warning signs might mean for the season ahead.Beyond the scoreboard, they explore the human side of the game: how players adapt to new systems, the psychological challenges of being tested in tough environments, and how a team’s culture is shaped when adversity hits. They also highlight bright spots, from individual performances to tactical insights, showing that even in defeat, lessons can be learned.Whether you’re a Bulls supporter worried about the future, a rugby fan fascinated by the dynamics of transition, or someone interested in how leadership shapes team performance, this episode offers perspective, analysis, and an honest look at what it takes to rebuild a team.Don’t miss MW and Harry as they weigh the evidence, separate alarm from overreaction, and help you decide whether the Bulls’ Belfast defeat is a true canary in a coalmine or simply the growing pains of a team finding its identity under Ackermann.

This isn’t your standard Rugby Championship review. In this vintage episode of the Lekker Rugby Pod, Harry unleashes his full philosophical self, guiding listeners through the curious paradox of sport: how can a team achieve results yet still feel dissatisfied, while others stumble but find reason to smile?Harry’s Rugby Happiness Index blends statistics, psychology, and a philosopher’s heart, asking the big question: how happy should each team truly feel with their Rugby Championship performance? Argentina’s occasional highs mask bigger flaws, Australia’s flattering start hides fragility, and the All Blacks suffered their biggest-ever defeat - at home! Harry dissects the tension between scoreboard results and emotional satisfaction, all with his signature vintage style, full of reflective asides, storytelling, and thoughtful tangents.MW brings clarity and curiosity to the table, observing the nuances of player focus, discipline, and coaching decisions, helping the listener navigate the subtle intersections of performance and contentment.By the time the conversation turns to the Springboks, Harry reaches his philosophical crescendo - champions who can celebrate, but still face imperfections, missed opportunities, and lessons yet to be learned. Across the Rugby Championship, Harry’s lens reveals the emotional truths hidden behind wins, losses, and statistics. For fans wanting a deeper, smarter, and profoundly human take on rugby, this episode is a vintage must-listen.

The morning after the Springboks’ epic Rugby Championship win, Harry Jones takes us straight back to Twickenham, where every moment, from the streets to the stadium, pulsed with energy, tension, and pure South African pride. You can almost hear the roar of the fans, feel the wind on the pitch, and see every tackle, turnover, and try as if you were there yourself.MW Welman joins him to dissect the match in detail, exploring tactical battles, pivotal plays, and standout performances from the likes of Malcolm Marx, Jasper Wiese, Cobus Reinach, and Pieter-Steph du Toit. They break down how Argentina fought with grit, how the Springboks adapted under pressure, and how every decision, every pass, and every scrum shaped the outcome of a game that demanded everything from both sides.This isn’t just a recap - it’s the sights, sounds, and emotions of a championship-winning performance. From the adrenaline of the first whistle to the electric celebrations afterward, this episode captures the full journey of triumph, resilience, and camaraderie. Whether you’re a Springbok fan, a student of rugby tactics, or simply love the drama of the sport, this episode will leave you feeling like you were right there on the pitch with them!

Harry was on the ground at the Springboks’ Captain’s Run in London ahead of the big Argentina clash at Twickenham. Fresh from the plane, he witnessed a squad full of energy, laughter, and precision, with many, many kicks attempted as the team refined a new tactical approach. Damian Willemse was pin-point accurate and Sacha showed dedication and skill in every drill.The return of Bongi adds an edge to the pack, and the coaches kept the session high-energy while ensuring focus and cohesion. Harry observed how seamlessly backs and forwards are integrating, highlighting the Boks’ evolving playing style. With a massive South African crowd set to fill the stands, Harry’s first-hand perspective shows a team that is loose, confident, and ready to make a statement at Twickenham. Don't forget: MW will join Harry for a Lekker Rugby Pod Instant Reaction after the match, capturing the excitement from both the field and the stands!

Episode 114 of the Lekker Rugby Pod asks whether we’ve just seen the start of a new normal in world rugby. The Springboks didn’t just edge the All Blacks at Ellis Park or the Pumas in Durban—they demolished them, playing with a tempo, skill, and physicality that looked almost impossible to contain.MW returns from a bush reunion where he found himself explaining, more than once, what a rugby podcaster actually does—balancing a laptop on top of a fridge while braaiing didn’t quite clear things up. Back in the studio, he and Harry dive into the serious stuff: whether South African rugby has discovered a blueprint that could change the sport forever.The Boks have long been known for unbreakable defense, but now they’ve layered it with unstoppable attack, hybrid forwards, and rapid transitions that leave teams gasping. Rassie’s approach doesn’t feel like an adjustment—it feels like a revolution. If this is sustainable, then opponents won’t just have to adapt, they’ll have to reinvent themselves.So is this a golden run—or the new normal that will redefine rugby’s future?

The Springboks are still riding high after their record-breaking demolition of the All Blacks, but Durban might not be the victory parade everyone expects. Argentina has already beaten both New Zealand and Australia this season, and under Felipe Contepomi, the Pumas have grown sharper, smarter, and more dangerous.Harry and MW dig into why this clash carries more risk than it seems. Argentina’s versatile loose forwards, powerful front row, and tactical flexibility make them far more than just plucky underdogs. Contepomi’s Leinster-honed structures give them a blueprint to unsettle South Africa, while history shows the Pumas love playing the role of spoiler.Rassie Erasmus, meanwhile, is moving beyond his old “bomb squad” model, leaning into adaptability, versatility, and depth across the park. Will it be enough to withstand Argentina’s challenge, or could the giant slayers turn Durban into their stage?

Rassie Erasmus has doubled down with a powerful Springbok side for the first test against Argentina in Durban, and the Lekker Rugby Pod has your Instant Reaction! We started recording before the official announcement, speculating on who might make the cut, and then broke down the confirmed team once it dropped. Harry and MW dig into why Rassie went with such a strong, almost unchanged lineup, what it means for the Rugby Championship, and the message it sends to both fans and opponents. From midfield combinations to pack dominance, youth selections to long-term planning, this episode explores how the Boks are balancing short-term silverware with the bigger picture.

Episode 112 of the Lekker Rugby Pod brings the fire. MW and Harry are back together and joined by New Zealand broadcasting legend Martin Devlin, host of the Devlin Sports Podcast Network and an unapologetically passionate All Blacks supporter. From Venice to the podcast mic, Martin pulls no punches as he lays out the brutal truth about New Zealand rugby.He takes us through the decline since 2019, the haunting shadow of box kicks, the missing centurions of the 2015 era, and the burning question: are the All Blacks really still the All Blacks? Razor Robertson’s coaching, the lack of innovation, the limits of Super Rugby, and the hunger for redemption — all of it is on the table.This is raw Kiwi passion versus South African steel, as Martin squares up to MW and Harry in one of the most animated, heartfelt conversations we’ve had yet!